Rent in Buncombe County, NC at a glance
2-bedroom rent (HUD)
$1,835$22,020 a year · HUD fiscal year 2026From October 1, 2026: $1,866 (+1.7%)How much rent can you afford in Buncombe County, NC?
HUD’s fair market rent for each size, against what a typical household here earns. Change the income to see yours.
Rent in Buncombe County, NC by bedroom, and the pay it takes
Income needed keeps rent at 30% of gross pay; the hourly figure assumes one full-time job, 2,080 hours a year.
| Size | A month | A year | Income needed | Hourly wage needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,436 | $17,232 | $57,440 | $27.62/hr |
| 1 bedroom | $1,674 | $20,088 | $66,960 | $32.19/hr |
| 2 bedroomsMost searched | $1,835 | $22,020 | $73,400 | $35.29/hr |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,231 | $26,772 | $89,240 | $42.90/hr |
| 4 bedrooms | $3,078 | $36,936 | $123,120 | $59.19/hr |
Cost of living in Buncombe County, NC: income, prices and a budget →
Living and working in Buncombe County, NC
Rent in Buncombe County, NC: common questions
How much is rent going up in Buncombe County, NC in 2027?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for fiscal 2027, which takes effect October 1, 2026, is $1,866 for a two-bedroom, up 1.7% from $1,835. A one-bedroom goes from $1,674 to $1,714, a studio from $1,436 to $1,482.
These are HUD's estimates of what a typical recently rented unit costs, used for housing vouchers. A landlord's increase on your lease follows your lease and your state's rules, not this figure.
What is the average rent in Buncombe County, NC?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for 2026 is $1,674 for a one-bedroom and $1,835 for a two-bedroom, utilities included. That is $22,020 a year for the two-bedroom.
It is not an average of current listings. HUD sets it at the rent 40% of recent movers paid or less for a standard unit, so asking rents on newer places usually run higher.
How much do you need to make to afford rent in Buncombe County, NC?
To keep a $1,835 two-bedroom at 30% of gross pay, one full-time worker needs $35.29 an hour, or $73,400 a year. A one-bedroom at $1,674 takes $32.19 an hour.
How much is a 1, 2 or 3-bedroom apartment in Buncombe County, NC?
At HUD's 2026 Fair Market Rent: studio $1,436, one bedroom $1,674, two $1,835, three $2,231 and four $3,078 a month.
Is rent affordable in Buncombe County, NC?
For the typical household, earning $74,436 a year ($6,203 a month, Census ACS), a two-bedroom at $1,835 takes 29.6% of income. Under 30% is the usual line for affordable; this is under it.
How is the income needed for rent worked out?
Rent for a year divided by 0.30, the share of gross income HUD treats as affordable: ($1,835 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $73,400. Divided by 2,080 working hours, that is $35.29 an hour.